Ang(1-7) attenuates palmitic acid-induced injury of Min6 cells

AIM: To investigate the effect of angiotensin (1-7)[Ang (1-7)] on palmitic acid (PA)-induced injury of Min6 cells and the potential protective mechanisms of autophagy. METHODS: Cultured Min6 cells were divided into 7 groups:control group, PA group, PA+Ang(1-7) group, PA+Ang(1-7)+A779 group, PA+Ang(1-7)+rapamycin group, Ang(1-7) group and A779 group. The function of Min6 cells was detected by glucose-stimulated insulin release test. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was measured by ROS assay kit. Apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry with Annexin V/PI staining. Autophagy-related proteins were determined by Western blot. RESULTS: Compared with control group, the secretion of insulin from Min6 cells in PA group was significantly decreased (P<0.05), and the apoptotic rate was increased (P<0.05). The ratio of LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I was significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with PA group, the insulin secretion in PA+Ang(1-7) group was increased (P<0.05). The intracellular ROS level and the A779 and LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-I were significantly decreased (P<0.05). This protective effect of Ang(1-7) was partially blocked by A779 and rapamycin. CONCLUSION: Ang(1-7) attenuates PA-induced Min6 cell injury, and its protective mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activity of autophagy.